Alice Merton Sues Kanye West in Federal Court

Kanye West faces a lawsuit filed by German singer Alice Merton for allegedly using an unauthorized sample of her 2022 song 'Blindside' in his track 'Gun to My Head', featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Kid Cudi. Merton had previously refused West's request to sample her song due to his public antisemitic and racist remarks, which she found contrary to her values, citing her personal ties to the Holocaust through family members. West's track was performed publicly in December 2023 before he sought permission, prompting Merton to cease performing 'Blindside' due to threats from West's fans. Despite Merton's initial refusal and a subsequent cease and desist letter from her representatives, West included the song as a bonus track on his 'Vultures 2' album. Merton's lawsuit, filed in California federal court, highlights the personal impact and public backlash she faced, as well as West's ongoing history of antisemitic statements. The lawsuit demands a jury trial and is another in a series of copyright infringement claims against West.